Local News

Wheat Harvest Moving Slowly, Begins in Russell Area

The latest snapshot of the Kansas winter wheat harvest says while farmers are waiting for fields to dry in south central Kansas, harvest activity is moving slowly in central sections.

The industry trade group Kansas Wheat reported Thursday that the Mid Kansas Co-op in Galva began taking in wheat Wednesday night. Test weights have been averaging about 60 pounds, but it's too early to estimate yields or make comparisons to last year's crop.

At the Valley Co-op in Winfield, manager Rick Kimbrel reported that although harvest began last week, rain slowed harvest until Wednesday. With just 1 percent in, early test weights are averaging 60 pounds. One field was getting about 50 bushels an acre.

The Andale Farmers Co-op had taken in about 10 loads of wheat as of Thursday.

Russell area: In speaking with representatives from the Russell Agco Elevator Friday morning, the first load of wheat came into Russell at 10:30 AM Friday from Reinhardt Farms owned by Steve and Raeleen Reinhardt. Test weight was 60.8 pounds and moisture content was 11.2 percent.

These pictures were taken just southwest of Russell on Thursday of the first combines in the fields in the area.